December

Challenge: Until Midnight

December 18, 2019

"You do realize how 'Cinderella' this is right?" My best friend, Alix, asked me as she sat on my bed watching me change.

"Shut up Alix, this isn't Cinderella-like at all," I answered and turned around to show off my dress.

"Well, you guys are eating at midnight, so it is bound for someone to have to randomly leave when the clock strikes midnight." Alix then got up and turned me around so I could see myself in the mirror. The top of my dress what white and lacey, had sleeves that went to my elbows and then stopped, and the lace ended around the middle of my stomach and turned into a long black skirt that stopped just above the tips of my black high heel shoes. I smiled at my reflection and then sat down to get started on my hair and makeup.

I didn't want to do too much makeup so all I did was put foundation on my face, put on a very little amount of eyeliner, some blush, and nude lipstick. I then plugged in my curling iron and handed it to Alix once it was heated up. She curled my hair and then put it up into a nice bun. She then took a brush and brushed out my bangs that hung just above my eyes. I then put on a coat and glanced at the time that read "11:50 P.M." I then looked towards Alix who gave me a reassuring nod. I smiled at her and grabbed my small black purse and headed downstairs.

I waited at the door until my phone buzzed, I looked at the message that said, 'Im outside, are you ready to go?'

I smiled at my phone and replied with, 'Yup, I'll be out in a second!' I then gave Alix a wave goodbye and headed out the door into the cold winter night. When I got outside I saw my date, Aiden, standing in front of a limo with the door open. I smiled and walked over to him kissing him on the cheek. "A little fancy tonight are we?" I then got into the limo and waited for him to get in as well.

"Well it is our first year anniversary, I want it to be special." He scooted next to me and gave me a warm smile. I smiled back and laid my head on his shoulder as we rode to his parent's mansion.

Once we got there Aiden got out of the limo and held the door for me as I got out. We then linked arms and walked up the stairs of his parent's mansion. When we got inside I handed my coat to one of the butlers and followed Aiden to where his parents were. I picked up a champagne glass on the way and stood by Aiden's side as he waited for his parents to finish their conversation. When they were done they turned to us and gave us a warm smile.

"Aiden! You brought Ava! How are you?" His Mom excitedly said when she saw me.

"Hello Mrs. Harrison, I am doing just fine, and you?" I tried to give her the warmest smile that I had to offer.

"I am doing just great sweetheart! I hope you enjoy the party!" She then walked off with her husband into the crowd of people that flooded their home.

Aiden then grabbed my hand and pulled me the family garden. Beautiful flowers bloomed everywhere in all sorts of different colors. Aiden and I stopped at a gazebo that was placed in the middle of the garden and looked off into the lake that was behind the house. "So, do you have everything planned out?" I asked without looking at Aiden.

"Yeah, once everyone sits to eat the chefs have a five-minute break before they have to go back into the kitchen and serve the food, so I thought that we could replace the good pufferfish with a poisoned pufferfish that contains tetrodotoxin. It had enough of a dose to kill anyone who eats it and my parents love pufferfish." He then looks at me and gives me a smirk.

"Okay, so while you replace the pufferfish what do I do?" I looked up at Aiden with a worried look, I didn't want him to plan anything that meant leaving me behind.

"You are going to make sure that no one enters the kitchen if anyone tries. And then you are going to say that I don't feel well and explain that we have to leave okay?" He took his hand in mine and gave it a little squeeze. "I wouldn't leave you okay? I love you." He lets go of my hand as his mother who is drunk walks outside.

"Hey you two, dinner is about to be served, let's get everyone seated." She slurred and hung onto Aiden as we walked inside. When we got seated Aiden got up and told his Mom that he would be back in a little and I watched everyone who was seated.

Ten minutes passed by since Aiden left and food was about to be served. I only had to stop an old woman who needed water from going into the kitchen. I played with my hands as I anxiously waited for Aiden to text me. After a few more minutes my phone buzzed signaling me to get out. I looked over to Mr. Harrison with a saddened look.

"Excuse me, Mr. Harrison?" He looked towards my way with a big smile.

"Yes?"

"Um, Aiden doesn't feel so well so we are going to head out okay? We had a great time and I'll make sure that he calls you tomorrow." Mr. Harrison nodded and I excused myself from the table. As I walked out to the limo I checked my watch and smiled when I saw that it read '12:00 A.M.'. When I got into the limo I saw Aiden sitting with a plastic bag beside him. "What is that?" I point to the bag and give a disgusted face.

Oh, that is the non-poisoned pufferfish. "I needed to get it out of the house." I rolled my eyes and sat next to him until we got back to my apartment.

When Aiden dropped me off I walked inside and found Alix sleeping on the couch. I smiled to myself as I walked up the stairs and into my room. I then got undressed and went to sleep.

***

When I got up I heard the TV blaring downstairs. I got up and put on a robe and then made my way downstairs. When I got to the TV I saw Alix sitting in front of it with her eyes glued to the newswomen on the screen. I cleared my throat which made her turn to look at me.

"Hey, did you see the news? Aiden's parents and a bunch of other people who attended that party last night was found dead." I gave her my best-surprised look and sat next to her on the couch.

"Really? What happened?"

"They said that the pufferfish was prepared wrong which leads it to be poisonous."

"Are they suspecting foul play done by the chefs?" I asked with worry filling up inside of me.

"No, they just think that it is a small mistake so they aren't labeling it as murder." When Alix finished talking my phone rang and Aiden's photo appeared on my screen.

"Hey, its Aiden, I better take this outside." Alix nodded and went back to watching the tv. I stepped outside and answered the phone.

"Hey Ava, you heard about the news?" Aiden sounded a little said which made a bit of guilt hit my stomach.

"Yeah, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Once I get their money we are out of here okay?"

"Okay, I love you."

"Love you too." I hung up the phone and sat on the stairs that led to my apartment door. Why did Aiden sound sad and why do I feel guilty?